Playtonic delivered the surprising news today that Yooka-Laylee’s Wii U version has been scrapped. In its place though, the team appears to be refocusing its Nintendo efforts entirely on Switch.
GamesIndustry spoke with Playtonic studio head Gavin Price to inquire further about the delay. He was asked if the recent news about Wii U production affected the decision, to which he denied.
Price explained:
Butch Hartman, the creator of Fairly OddParents, has his own YouTube show in which he draws fan-requested characters in the cartoon show’s style. In his newest video, Nintendo is heavily featured. Hartman created his own takes on the Splatoon squid, Link, Pikachu, and Mario. Sonic was also thrown in since he’s often associated with Nintendo these days. We have the video below.
Pokemon GO can be downloaded in most countries, but there’s one big territory still without access: India. However, on Wednesday, that will be changing.
Niantic is partnering with Reliance Jio on Pokemon GO’s arrival in India. Thousands of Reliance Digital Stores and select other partner premises will be PokeStops or Gyms. JioChat will also add an exclusive Pokemon GO channel so that players can socialize with others and level-up faster.
Niantic founder John Hanke said today:
“We are delighted to partner with Jio to launch Pokémon GO in India. It’s exciting to see Pokémon fans in India step out and explore their neighbourhoods in search of Pokémon and Jio’s disruptive high speed 4G LTE Network will be an excellent way to experience the game.”
Johnny Dynamite made it to North America way back in May 2015. Europe will finally be receiving the digital 3DS game this week. Perhaps the wait will be worth it, as the PAL version will come with an update.
When Johnny Dynamite arrives on the European 3DS eShop on Thursday, players will have access to a new game intro and ending sequence along with six additional levels. Developer Twofivesix implemented some “minor” bug fixes as well. The update will be labeled as version 1.1 – which isn’t out yet in North America by the way.
Nintendo of Europe has come out with another new trailer for Dragon Quest VIII showing the RPG’s various features. View it below.
For those who missed it, Dragon Quest VIII trailers introducing Morrie and Red can be found here.
Rime appears to be in development for Switch, based on a new classification in Brazil.
The puzzle-adventure title garnered a great deal of attention when it was originally announced for the PlayStation 4 back in 2013. At the time, Sony owned the IP. But earlier this year, developer Tequila Works reacquired it, and moved forward with new publishers Grey Box and Six Foot.
Rime is currently planned for 2017, and looks to be a multiplatform title judging by its Brazilian classification.
Here are the two trailers we have so far:
This week’s Famitsu review scores are as follows:
Final Fantasy XV (PS4/XBO) – 9/10/9/10
Yo-kai Watch 3: Sukiyaki (3DS) – 10/9/9/9
Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 6: Gentou Rondo (PSV) – 9/8/9/9
SEGA 3D Fukkoku Archives 3: Final Stage (3DS) – 8/8/8/8
Ken ga Kimi: Momoyo Tsuzuri (PSV) – 9/8/8/7
Momotaro Dentetsu 2017: Tachiagare Nippon!! (3DS) – 8/8/8/7
Brave Dungeon (3DS) – 7/8/8/8
Sherlock Holmes: The Devil’s Daughter (PS4) – 8/7/8/7
Osomatsu-san Matsu Matsuri! (3DS) – 8/7/8/7
Ace of Seafood (Wii U) – 7/7/7/8
Blue Moon (Wii U) – 7/7/7/8
Here They Lie (PS4) – 7/7/7/8
Re:Birthday Song: Koi o Utau Shinigami – Another Record (PSV) – 8/7/7/7
Hatsuru Kotonaki Mirai Yori (PSV) – 7/7/7/8
Adventure Story of the Goold Old Days (PS4/PSV) – 7/7/6/7
The first Global Mission in Pokemon Sun & Moon is now over – unfortunately, players were not able to reach the goal of 100 million caught Pokemon, catching only 16,423,231. As a consolation prize, players will receive 100 FC, or 200 FC if their game is registered on the Global Link. Game Freak also put up a notice which states that the targets of future Global Missions will be altered based on the results of this one.
Speaking of future Global Missions, the next one was also announced today. Players will have to look for Pokemon using the Island Scan feature. The mission will start on December 27th.
Playtonic announced today that Yooka-Laylee will be released on April 11th, 2017 on all previously announced platforms..except Wii U. According to Playtonic, due to “unforeseen technical issues”, a release of the Wii U version was made impossible. However, to make up for that, Playtonic are “working very closely with Nintendo” to bring the game to the Nintendo Switch instead. Further details will be shared “early next year”.
Kickstarter backers who opted to get the Wii U version can instead get the game for any of the other platforms for which the game launches on April 11th, or to the Switch version once further details are announced next year. The wording seems to imply that the Switch version will not launch on April 11th alongside the other versions. Those who backed the Wii U version and want a refund instead of switching to another version are urged by Playtonic to contact them via the Backer messaging system on Kickstarter.
Finally, here’s a new trailer for the game; hopefully we will be able to play this on the Switch soon:
The Nintendo Switch Presentation on January 12 now has a start time: 11 PM EST/8 PM PST. This is also 5 AM CET on January 13, and 1 PM JST. The presentation will be viewable online, at the Switch’s main page.
